How to get involved

You may register for remaining class space beginning the first day; classes meet at the class meeting site. Classes without sufficient enrollment will be canceled. Some classes have registration deadlines.

The need to get to know your new gadget is one reason why Santa Fe College's Community Education class, "Get The Most Out Of Your iPad," filled up the first day of registration, and nearly 30 people were on the waiting list just as quickly.

With courses in everything from yoga to welding, the Community Education program has offered self-improvement courses since 1972, said Melissa Atyeo, who is the program's course manager. Atyeo said most courses are designed for people at any skill level.

"They're still learning and like the interaction from other students," she said.

The winter term, which normally has the most students enrolled, begins on Saturday. Registration dates vary.

About 600 to 800 students will enroll in about 150 courses during the six-week term, said Jennifer Mullis, who is coordinator of community education at Santa Fe.

"We want to create enrichment-type classes for those of all ages," she said.

Health and fitness classes are among the most popular thanks to New Year's resolutions, said Mullis. But Coach Herb Kieklak thinks it is always time to get into shape.

<p>You feel the pinch from clothing that is tighter than it was before the holidays, and the new gadget you got from your son is still charging — right where he left it.</p><p>The need to get to know your new gadget is one reason why Santa Fe College's Community Education class, "Get The Most Out Of Your iPad," filled up the first day of registration, and nearly 30 people were on the waiting list just as quickly.</p><p>With courses in everything from yoga to welding, the Community Education program has offered self-improvement courses since 1972, said Melissa Atyeo, who is the program's course manager. Atyeo said most courses are designed for people at any skill level.</p><p>"They're still learning and like the interaction from other students," she said.</p><p>The winter term, which normally has the most students enrolled, begins on Saturday. Registration dates vary.</p><p>About 600 to 800 students will enroll in about 150 courses during the six-week term, said Jennifer Mullis, who is coordinator of community education at Santa Fe.</p><p>"We want to create enrichment-type classes for those of all ages," she said.</p><p>Health and fitness classes are among the most popular thanks to New Year's resolutions, said Mullis. But Coach Herb Kieklak thinks it is always time to get into shape.</p><p>Kieklak, 52, who goes by Coach K, teaches fitness courses, including beginners running, cycling and a Tai Chi class for seniors.</p><p>He said many start his courses not only to lose weight or run a mile, but also so they can just keep up with their grandchildren.</p><p>"They're not out there to win trophies at 5Ks," Kieklak said, "But once they start seeing their first results, that encourages them to keep going."</p><p>Graduates of his courses have lost more than 40 pounds, improved their posture and relieved neck strain, he said. One 60-year-old woman was doing pull-ups after about four months of training, he said.</p><p>"They know that as long as they do this, they'll keep getting better and better, and faster and faster," Kieklak said.</p><p>He said 70 percent of his students re-enroll.</p><p>In fact, it is not uncommon for students to enroll in the same class for multiple semesters, Mullis said.</p><p>People come back because they like the topic, the instructor or the atmosphere, she said.</p><p>"These are all great ways to get out there, do something new, enrich your life and make relationships," Mullis said.</p>